Soot chains, formed from freshly combusted material, are composed of individual soot spherules connected together. The soot chains have complex structures on which gases have been observed to deposit on the surface. The deposition of these gases can cause the soot chains to compress from their original configuration into a shape with a smaller aerodynamic diameter and higher density. This shape rearrangement changes the soot agglomerates’ climate impacts including its radiative properties and its potential to become a cloud condensation nuclei. To better understand how quickly the soot chain might change shape, a simple mechanical model is presented of individual soot spherule motion in the presence of a surfactant. Discussion of this model, its limitations, and potential follow-on work are also given.